An injured worker is entitled to medical care and treatment for his or her work injury. The Workers Compensation Act provides a list of goods and services the insurance company must provide for certain work injuries, everything from surgical care to false teeth.

Most importantly, in D.C., you have the right to choose your own physician. We've said this before and it written about this issue many times, but it bears repeating. Many adjusters and employers will try and steer you to a doctor who works with the insurance company frequently, or worse, to some type of worker's clinic that treats only people hurt on the job (guess where they get their patients).

While you have the right to choose your own physician, if you later want to change doctors, you must then get the approval of the workers comp insurance company or the Office of Workers' Compensation. If the insurance company has referred someone to a physician, that situation can be considered a constructive choice of the physician, depending on the length and complexity of the medical treatment provided.

Time and time again we hear from people hurt on the job that the insurance adjuster told them they had to treat with a "panel" physician or an "approved workers' compensation physician" or say they have to be in some type of network for their D.C. work injury. It's just not true.

Sometimes the insurance company will send a list of three doctors to choose from, like they're allowed to do in Virginia. Three doctors on the list are invariably the top three they hire to perform litigation exams. Unfortunately, many injured workers do not realize they have a right to choose their doctor-- and the insurance company will not tell them.

Remember, in D.C. and Maryland, you have the right to choose your doctor. Get a doctor who is experienced and does not work for insurance companies. One that will listen to you and get the treatment and tests your medical condition requires. Don't give up that right!

For more information on protecting your rights when you're hurt on the job, get a copy of our book, Protect Your Rights: The Ultimate Guide to D.C. Workers' Compensation.

Worried and stressed out about your workers' compensation case? Not sure if your job's insurance company is telling you everything? Afraid you might make a mistake that could cost you the monetary benefits and medical treatment you need? Don't know what to do if your benefits are suddenly stopped, or your check doesn't come?

That's what we're here for. We take the worry, stress, and uncertainty out of the process for the people and families we help. There are a lot of ways we do this for you but that's really what it comes down to.

So if you have a serious injury and are worried about it, call us at 202-393-3320 to talk about it, or send us a confidential email at [email protected]. You'll speak to a live person today, and we'll talk to you for no obligation. Nothing to lose and lots of peace of mind to gain.

Give us a call today. The decisions that you make early on in the case could be critical to your care. We know this business inside and out and we will be able to let you know when the insurance company is trying to limit your benefits and medical treatment.

Order a free, no obligation copy of our book for injured workers. You'll be happy you did.

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